Vintage Wire stretcher,I think

[Keith]

I believe this to be a very old wire stretcher used for stretching barbed wire.I just cannot find anything as to the age.
I think it has F.J.Townsend written on one side,and on the other side it has PAINTEDPOST,NY.It has a 3' handle.It is in rough condition,but it belong to my wife Great Grandfather,so I think it's worth keeping.Anyone ever seen one of these.

Thanks for any help,God bless,Keith

[KC]

Most wire stretchers that I have seen have some type of lever or pully on it to help increase the tension.  But, I guess that just plain brute force would do as well.  Nice site with some old fence stretchers is at:  http://www.jacobhaishmfg.org/Fencing%20Tools.htm  There was a Townsend that made antique fence tools - but no pics are available.  Just has had items at auctions.

What lends you to believe it is a fence tool?

[regularjoe2]

You're correct about this being a fencing tool , Keith ...
These were a 'bear' to use , and predated the ratchet/cable-winch type .

Nice 'rustic' tool .

[Keith]

Thanks KC and joe

KC,I was not sure,but I have done farm work,most of my life.I have used a few different type of stretchers,building and repairing fences.The way the piece hanging on the chain opens up looked as though it would grip the wire,while the prongs on the end would grip the post while pushing or pulling on the handle the clamp holding the wire would get tighter as more pressure was put on the handle.

Yea,joe I would think it would be tough to use,they have come a long way since then.

Anyone know about when these were made